Latest statistics released by Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) shows number of group trekkers fell by around 30 percent in October compared to figures of the same period last year.
The number of free individual trekkers (FITs), however, went down by around 50 percent.
TAAN issued 13,204 Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) cards in October compared to 18,767 in the same month last year. Number of group trekkers was down by 77 percent to 3,284 in September.
Similarly, data compiled by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) shows that the number of FITs has gone down to 1,717 from 3,406 last October. In September, number of FITs was down by only 19 percent.
NTB issues TIMS cards to FITs, while TAAN distributes TIMS cards to group trekkers.
Statistics of TIMS shows drastic reduction in number of FITs in October. The improvement in group trekkers, however, has surprised many. Kamal Prasad Bhattarai, chief administrator officer of NTB, said statistics of trekkers has puzzled many as it shows the opposite trend. "The impact of earthquake and economic blockade had failed to deter FITs till September," Bhattarai said. "It seems that the impact of the ongoing crisis has been reflected in the number of FITs. Looks like FITs have started thinking about their wellbeing. Also, price of different products has gone up in recent weeks."
FITs are normally less-spending tourists. Trekking entrepreneurs say many FITs might have cancelled their trips because of the cost factor.
"FITs were coming here despite the earthquake. But the present situation has become difficult even for them," Rajan Simkhada, president of Earthbound Expeditions, said, adding, "It's difficult for them to manage food and arrange vehicles to travel. Hence, most of them have started forming groups and are taking the service of trekking agencies."
The crisis has definitely encouraged FITs to travel in groups. However, the number of group trekkers increased also because TIMS has been made mandatory all over the country. TAAN has been issuing TIMS for new areas like Arun Valley, Bajura, Dolpa, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Humla and Makalu in recent months.
"We are surprised that number of group trekkers has not gone down compared to FITs. Group travelers are coming with a confidence that their trip organizers have taken care of everything despite the crisis," Chandra Prasad Rijal, president of TAAN, said, adding that FITs have also started forming group and taking service of trekking companies.
News Source: Myrepublica
The number of free individual trekkers (FITs), however, went down by around 50 percent.
TAAN issued 13,204 Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) cards in October compared to 18,767 in the same month last year. Number of group trekkers was down by 77 percent to 3,284 in September.
Similarly, data compiled by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) shows that the number of FITs has gone down to 1,717 from 3,406 last October. In September, number of FITs was down by only 19 percent.
NTB issues TIMS cards to FITs, while TAAN distributes TIMS cards to group trekkers.
Statistics of TIMS shows drastic reduction in number of FITs in October. The improvement in group trekkers, however, has surprised many. Kamal Prasad Bhattarai, chief administrator officer of NTB, said statistics of trekkers has puzzled many as it shows the opposite trend. "The impact of earthquake and economic blockade had failed to deter FITs till September," Bhattarai said. "It seems that the impact of the ongoing crisis has been reflected in the number of FITs. Looks like FITs have started thinking about their wellbeing. Also, price of different products has gone up in recent weeks."
FITs are normally less-spending tourists. Trekking entrepreneurs say many FITs might have cancelled their trips because of the cost factor.
"FITs were coming here despite the earthquake. But the present situation has become difficult even for them," Rajan Simkhada, president of Earthbound Expeditions, said, adding, "It's difficult for them to manage food and arrange vehicles to travel. Hence, most of them have started forming groups and are taking the service of trekking agencies."
The crisis has definitely encouraged FITs to travel in groups. However, the number of group trekkers increased also because TIMS has been made mandatory all over the country. TAAN has been issuing TIMS for new areas like Arun Valley, Bajura, Dolpa, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Humla and Makalu in recent months.
"We are surprised that number of group trekkers has not gone down compared to FITs. Group travelers are coming with a confidence that their trip organizers have taken care of everything despite the crisis," Chandra Prasad Rijal, president of TAAN, said, adding that FITs have also started forming group and taking service of trekking companies.
News Source: Myrepublica
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